Chapter 98Lily's POV
The next twenty minutes were the worst twenty minutes of my life.
Every step felt like dragging lead chains across my body. My muscles screamed, my bones ached, and the sterile hospital corridors seemed longer than any battlefield. Sweat trickled down my back though the morning air was cool. By the time I reached the front entrance, I felt as though I'd already run ten miles.
Joe was leaning against the sleek black car, his arms crossed, his eyes sharp and held an angry look.The moment he saw me, his gaze hardened.
"You're late."
I forced a breathless smile, clutching the car door for support. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I was just trying not to collapse on the way here. Next time, I'll sprint."
His jaw tightened, but his eyes flickered, just for a second, like he wanted to say something else. Instead, his tone came sharp, clipped.
"You're not out here because you want to be, Lily. You're out here because I need you."
